CHARITY JOBS IN AFRICA

Organization: UN Human Settlements Program
Country: Ghana
Closing date: 14 Jan 2015

Job Opening

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Posting Title:Human Settlements Officer, P3
Job Code Title:Programme Management Officer, Human Settlements
Department/ Office:United Nations Human Settlements Programme
Duty Station:ACCRA

Posting Period:15 December 2014-14 January 2015
Job Opening number:14-PGM-UNHABITAT-37796-R-ACCRA (E)

United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity

Special Notice

Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures. This is a project post and is funded for an initial period of one year and may be subject to extension.
1. All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply on-line as soon as possible after the job opening has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the job opening. On-line applications will be acknowledged where an email address has been provided.
2. If you do not receive an e-mail acknowledgement within 24 hours of submission, your application may not have been received. In such cases, please resubmit the application, if necessary. If the problem persists, please seek technical assistance through the Inspira "Need Help?" link.

Org. Setting and Reporting

The United Nations Human Settlements Programme, UN-HABITAT, is the United Nations
agency for human settlements. It is mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote
socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities with the goal of providing adequate
shelter for all. The post is located in the Urban Basics Services Branch (UBSB), Water and Sanitation (WATSAN) Unit, Accra, Ghana. Under the overall guidance of the Coordinator of UBSB and the direct supervision of the Unit leader, Water and Sanitation Unit, the incumbent will be responsible for the following:

Responsibilities

(1) Coordinate the development and implementation of the work programme of the Branch in West Africa by: a) Identifying needs and opportunities and advising the Coordinator on new substantive directions and activities to pursue within the region; b) Participating in advisory missions to carry out consultations and other activities aimed at the development of strategies and programmes; c) Preparing proposals for resource mobilization; d) Assisting in the implementation of UN-Habitat Strategy and work plan in the West African Region; e) Providing financial, contractual and budgetary oversight; f) Providing guidance to national Governments in support of the development of the UN-Habitat Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) network. g) Preparing and submitting regular status reports on WASH activities;

(2) Providing management/operational support for the Joint UN Programme on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene in Disaster Prone Communities in Northern Ghana by :

a) Leading the process for information gathering, collation and management; (b) Operationalising resilient WASH solutions to increase access to services in disaster prone communities; (c) Promoting education programmes and awareness of hygiene practices within the beneficiary communities and schools; (d) Enhancing local capacity to sustainably manage the
WATSAN facilities and related services; (e) Contributing to measures to enhance disaster preparedness; (e) Planning resource requirements and setting priorities for the implementation of activities and the allocation of inputs; (f) Developing mechanisms for ensuring systematic mainstreaming of cross cutting issues of gender, youth and human rights in the project activities; (g) Monitoring emerging needs during implementation and offering assistance in meeting those needs; (h) Identifying actions, designing proposals these actions, and
formulating implementation modalities; (i) Ensuring proper documentation of programme experiences; (j) coordinating and monitoring project progress; (k) Coordinating the
preparation of regular project reports; (l) Providing substantive
guidance to meetings of the Steering Committee and the Joint UN and National implementing
Partners.

(3) Performing any other relevant duties as may be assigned.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to the urban basic services sector. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to conduct data collection using various methods. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent
research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research
sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Ability to
apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting
priorities. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence
and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments,
observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal
concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm
in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring
the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
COMMUNICATION: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
TEAMWORK: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.
PLANNING AND ORGANIZING: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

Education

Advanced University degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Urban and Regional Planning/ Management, Urban Economics, Engineering or related field. A first university degree with a combination of two years professional and academic qualifications may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Work Experience

A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in Urban Basic Sevices or related field. Qualifying years of experience are calculated following the receipt of the first level university degree recognized by the United Nations. Experience in project or programme development and management is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post
advertised, fluency in spoken and written English is required. Knowledge of a second UN
language is an advantage

Assessment Method

Evaluation of qualified candidates for this position may include a substantive assessment
which will be followed by a competency-based interview

United Nations Considerations

Job openings posted on the Careers Portal are taken off at midnight (New York time) on the deadline date.
Applications are automatically pre-screened according to the published evaluation criteria of the job opening on the basis of the information provided by applicants. Applications cannot be amended following submission and incomplete applications shall not be considered. The selected candidate will be subject to a reference checking process to verify the information provided in the application.
Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the At-a-Glance on "The Application Process" and the Instructional Manual for the Applicants, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” on the upper right side of the browser on Inspira.
The United Nations shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.
Candidates will be required to meet the requirements of Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter as well as the requirements of the position. The United Nations is committed to the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity for all its human resources, including but not limited to respect for international human rights and humanitarian law. Candidates may be subject to screening against these standards, including but not limited to whether they have committed, or are alleged to have committed criminal offences and/or violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS

How to apply:

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